Multipurpose frame assembly

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose frame assembly ( 10 ) for interconnection with existing conventional scaffolding modules (M) is disclosed. The frame assembly ( 10 ) includes a plurality of end frames ( 12,14 ). The end frames ( 12,14 ) each include four, generally coextensive, coplanar legs ( 22,24,34,36 ), with at least two of the legs being spaced apart an industry standard dimension (D IS ). Paired sets of the legs ( 16,18 ) are coupled together by horizontal rungs ( 38,40 ) that cooperate with a cross member assembly ( 20 ) to provide one of the paired sets ( 16,18 ) the industry standard spacing. In other embodiments, end frames ( 100,200 ) include a knock-down cross member assembly ( 106 ) and a box cross member assembly ( 206 ), respectively. Further disclosed embodiments show a multipurpose frame assembly ( 300 ) configured for vertically shoring a high capacity load and a tower assembly ( 400 ) configured for elevating a work surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to assemblies for shoringa load or supporting an elevated work surface. More specifically, thepresent invention concerns a multipurpose frame assembly including aplurality of end frames that each have four legs comprising two sets ofpaired legs with the sets being coupled to each other and one of thesets being coupled together with a cross member assembly. Thefour-legged construction provides a high strength frame for verticallyshoring high capacity loads yet allows the frame to be complementallydimensioned for interconnection with conventional modular scaffolding tosupport and elevate a work surface.

[0003] 2. Discussion of Prior Art

[0004] In many construction applications it is necessary to verticallysupport an elevated load. For example, when building a multistoriedstructure, typically a concrete floor is poured at each story thatrequires shoring during construction. It is known in the art to usededicated high-strength shoring frames to support such loads.

[0005] It is also often necessary in the construction industry tovertically support an elevated work surface. For example, in order toperform work on the exterior of a building (e.g., brick laying,painting, roofing, sandblasting, etc.), workers typically require anelevated work surface to support themselves, their tools, and thebuilding materials. It is known in the art to construct a system ofscaffolding supported on the ground for elevating such work surfaces.Conventional modular scaffolding is typically used for these purposesand includes modules formed from frames having legs spaced apart anindustry standard width (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet). Each frame isremovably couplable to another frame (e.g., using diagonal braces) toform a standardized module. The legs complementally couple with the legsof other modules so that modules can be vertically coupled together toconstruct a tower. This conventional scaffolding is relatively lightweight so as to be easily portable and therefore is limited in itscapacity to securely elevate a work surface to some heights. It is knownin the art to utilize dedicated high-strength shoring frames as alowermost base to support conventional scaffolding in a towerconfiguration in order to increase the stable elevation of the worksurface.

[0006] Known prior art dedicated high-strength shoring frames areproblematic and have several limitations. For example, prior art shoringframes require relatively large diameter tubing formed of a heavy metalin order to support a high capacity load and are therefore not readilyportable. In addition, prior art shoring frames must be fitted withdecking and retrofit with specially manufactured frame connectors inorder to be coupled to conventional scaffolding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides an improved multipurpose frameassembly that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of priorart shoring frames as set forth above. The inventive frame assemblyincludes a plurality of end frames that each utilize a four-leggedconstruction that provides a high strength frame for vertically shoringhigh capacity loads yet allows the frame to be complementallydimensioned for interconnection with conventional modular scaffolding tosupport and elevate a work surface.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention concerns a multipurposeframe assembly for interconnection with existing conventional modularscaffolding frames each which include load-bearing connection legsspaced apart an industry standard distance. The multipurpose frameassembly includes a plurality of end frames. Each end frame broadlyincludes a first set of paired legs spaced apart a first distance, asecond set of paired legs coupled to the first set of paired legs andbeing spaced apart a second distance that is different from the firstdistance, and a cross member assembly operable to couple the first setof paired legs together. The first and second sets of paired legs arecoextensive and generally coplanar. The first and second sets of pairedlegs are adapted to couple to another end frame of the multipurposeframe assembly. One of the first or second distances is an industrystandard distance so that the corresponding first or second set ofpaired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modularscaffolding frame.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention concerns a multipurposeframe assembly that is similar to the frame assembly provided in thefirst aspect of the invention previously discussed. However, each endframe of the frame assembly of this second aspect of the inventionbroadly includes a cross member assembly that is operable to removablycouple the first set of paired legs together.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention concerns a tower assemblythat broadly includes a base assembly including a first base frameremovably coupled to a second base frame, and a scaffold assemblyvertically supported on the base assembly and including a first scaffoldframe removably coupled to a second scaffold frame. The first and secondbase frames each include two inner base legs horizontally spaced a firstdimension and two outer base legs horizontally spaced a second dimensionthat is different from the first dimension. The first and secondscaffold frames each include two scaffold legs horizontally spaced oneof the first or second dimensions.

[0011] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detailbelow with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multipurpose frame assemblyconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and shown interconnected with existing conventional modularscaffolding;

[0014]FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view of an end frame of themultipurpose frame assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 is an exploded elevational view of an end frame of amultipurpose frame assembly constructed in accordance with analternative embodiment of the present invention and including aknock-down cross member assembly;

[0016]FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an end frame of a multipurposeframe assembly constructed in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the present invention and including a box cross member assembly;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multipurpose frame assemblyconstructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention and including four interconnected end frames; and

[0018]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tower assembly constructed inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention andshown supported on a sidewalk.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Turning initially to FIG. 1, the multipurpose frame assembly 10selected for illustration is shown interconnected with a module M ofexisting conventional modular scaffolding. The module M is comprised oftwo frames F₁ and F₂, each having legs L₁,L₂ and L₃,L₄ respectively. Thelegs L₁,L₂ and L₃,L₄ of each frame F₁,F₂ are spaced an industry standarddimension (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet) designated in FIG. 1 as D_(IS). Inthis manner, the frames are readily connectable to other frames toconstruct scaffolding towers for elevating a work surface. In thisregard, each of the legs L₁,L₂,L₃, and L₄ include open axial ends Eadapted to receive (e.g., dimensioned for a press-fitting, holed forreceipt of locking pins, etc.) frame connectors (not shown) forconnecting one frame to another frame. The frames F₁ and F₂ areremovably and horizontally coupled together by diagonal braces B₁ andB₂. Supported on the frames F₁ and F₂ are walkboards W₁,W₂,W₃ formingthe elevated work surface. The illustrated multipurpose frame assembly10 includes end frames 12 and 14. Each of the end frames 12,14 arevirtually identical and therefore only the end frame 12 will bedescribed in detail with the understanding that the end frame 14 isconstructed in a similar manner. The end frame 12 broadly includes apaired set of inner legs 16, a paired set of outer legs 18, and a crossmember assembly 20.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the paired set of inner legs 16 includes legs22 and 24. For purposes that will subsequently be described, the legs 22and 24 are generally coextensive and generally coplanar with oneanother. Each of the legs 22,24 are generally tubular in shape andinclude open axial ends (only the upper axial ends 26 and 28 of the legs22 and 24, respectively, are shown). The axial ends are configured todefine inner diameters dimensioned to receive conventional frameconnectors (not shown) for vertically coupling the respective leg to aleg of another frame. Each of the legs 22,24 also include diametricallyopposed pin-receiving apertures 30 formed in the circumferential surfacethereof adjacent the open axial ends. The apertures 30 are configured toreceive cotter-type pins (not shown) for securing the frame connectorsto the legs 22,24. In a similar manner, the axial ends of the legs 22,24are operable to receive most any type of standardized accessory commonlyused with existing conventional scaffolding frames (e.g., casters,leveling jacks, etc.). The legs 22 and 24 are coupled together by thecross member assembly 20. For purposes that will subsequently bedescribed, the cross member assembly 20 is configured so that the legs22 and 24 are spaced apart a first dimension 32 (see FIG. 2).

[0021] The paired set of outer legs 18 includes legs 34 and 36. The legs34 and 36 are configured in a manner similar to the configuration of thelegs 22 and 24. In this regard, the legs 34 and 36 are generallycoextensive, coplanar, and tubular in shape. The legs 34 and 36 includeopen axial ends that define inner diameters dimensioned to receivestandardized accessories including frame connectors. The legs 34 and 36further include the pin-receiving apertures 30. Each of the legs 34,36is fixed relative to a respective one of the legs 22,24 by a pluralityof corresponding horizontal rungs 38 and 40 (see FIG. 2). For purposesthat will subsequently be described, the rungs 38,40 are configured tocooperate with the cross member assembly 20 so that the legs 34 and 36are spaced apart a second dimension 42 (see FIG. 2). The seconddimension 42 is different from the first dimension 32 and in theillustrated end frame 12 the dimension 42 is greater than the dimension32.

[0022] Each of the legs 22,24,34,36 is generally coextensive with all ofthe other legs. In this manner, each of the legs 22,24,34,36 isconfigured to be a load-bearing leg. The legs 22,24,34,36 can be used incombination with accessories such as leveling jacks and shore heads andtherefore substantial coextensiveness of all legs is not critical.However, the four-legged construction of the end frames of the presentinvention provides for a high strength frame capable of verticallyshoring high capacity loads, therefore, it is important that the legs beat least generally coextensive. Each of the legs 22,24,34,36 is alsogenerally coplanar with all of the other legs. In this manner, the endframe 12 is readily vertically interconnectable with other similarlyconfigured end frames as well as existing conventional modularscaffolding frames. In this regard, it is important that one of thefirst or second dimensions 32,42 be equivalent to an industry standardwidth dimension for existing conventional modular scaffolding frames(e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet). In the multipurpose frame assembly 10illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second dimension 42 is an industrystandard width. Accordingly, the legs L₁,L₂,L₃,L₄ of the module Mconnect to the outer paired set of legs of the end frames 12 and 14 (seeFIG. 1).

[0023] The end frame 12 is also readily horizontally and removablycouplable to other similarly configured end frames (e.g., end frame 14as shown in FIG. 1). In this regard, each of the legs 22,24,34,36include a plurality of frame locks 44 fixed to the circumferentialsurface thereof. Each of the frame locks 44 is configured to receive acomplemental end portion of a diagonal brace 46. The illustrated framelocks 44 are Q-type locks known in the art. Suitable frame locks areavailable from Granite Industries of Archbold, Ohio under the trade nameQ-Lock. It is within the ambit of the present invention to utilize anysuitable frame lock, for example, D-, H-, S-, W-, or X-type locks (alsoavailable from Granite Industries). It is further within the ambit ofthe present invention to utilize other safety features that are notshown in the illustrated end frames. Exemplary features are disclosed inthe following filed application for U.S. patents (having the sameinventive entity as the present application): Ser. No. 09/766,334,entitled UTILITY SCAFFOLDING HAVING SAFETY FEATURES, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein as is necessary for a full and completeunderstanding of the present invention.

[0024] As previously discussed, the legs 22,24,34,36 are each configuredto receive standardized accessories such as leveling jacks. Themultipurpose frame assembly 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 includes jackplates 48 configured to be received by adjacent inner and outer legs(e.g., legs 22,34 and 24,36) and further configured to receive astandard leveling jack 50. However, a leveling jack for each leg couldbe utilized.

[0025] As previously discussed, the four-legged construction of the endframes of the present invention provides for a high strength framecapable of vertically shoring high capacity loads. In addition, thefour-legged construction allows for a frame formed of tubing typicallyused for existing conventional modular scaffolding frames (e.g., steeltubing having an industry standard inner diameter such as 1⅜ inch). Inthis manner, the end frames are relatively light weight so as to bereadily portable. Moreover, as previously discussed, the end frames arereadily connectable to existing conventional modular scaffolding framesas well as the standardized accessories associated therewith. In thisregard, the legs of the end frames 12 and 14 are preferably formed ofsteel tubing having an industry standard inner diameter. However, thelegs need not be formed of steel or even of tubing as it is well withinthe ambit of the present invention to utilize various alternativeconfigurations, designs, materials, etc. for the legs of the end frames.It is important, however, that the end frame include four, generallycoextensive, coplanar legs, with at least two of the legs being spacedapart an industry standard dimension.

[0026] As previously discussed, the cross member assembly 20 couples thelegs 22,24 of the paired set of inner legs 16 together so that they arespaced apart the first dimension 32. The cross member assembly 20 of theframe assembly 10 includes two horizontally extending bars 52 and 54.The bars 52 and 54 are closely spaced and separated by transversesupports 56. In the illustrated end frame 12, the bars 52,54 are fixedto the legs 22,24 (e.g., weldment, etc.). However, it is within theambit of the present invention to utilize various alternativeconfigurations and designs for the cross member assembly 20. It isimportant, however, that the cross member assembly 20, singly or incombination with the horizontal rungs 36,38, provide for one of thefirst or second dimensions 32,42 to be an industry standard dimension.

[0027] One such alternative configuration is the knock-down cross memberassembly utilized in the end frame 100 illustrated in FIG. 3. The endframe 100 includes a paired set of inner legs 102, a paired set of outerlegs 104, and a cross member assembly 106. The paired sets of inner andouter legs 102,104 are substantially similar to the paired sets of legs16 and 18 of the end frame 12 and therefore will not be furtherdescribed in detail. The knock-down cross member assembly 106 is similarto the cross member assembly 20 of the end frame 12 in that it provides,singly or in combination with horizontal rungs, for one of the first orsecond dimensions to be an industry standard dimension. However, thecross member assembly 106 removably couples the inner legs 102. In thisregard, the assembly 106 includes a horizontally extending spacer 108removably coupled between spacer-receiving shafts 110. The shafts 110are fixed to the inner legs 102 (e.g., welded, etc.). The spacer 108 iscoupled to the shafts 110 by pins 112. The spacer 108 and the pins 112each include complementing apertures 114 configured for receivingcotter-type pins (not shown) for removably coupling the spacer 108 tothe pins 112. In the illustrated end frame 100, the pins 112 are fixedto the shafts 110. However, it is within the ambit of the presentinvention to utilize various alternative designs for the assembly 106.For example, the pins 112 could be removably coupled to the shafts 110.It is also possible for the pins 112 to be fixed to the spacer 108 in apermanent manner (e.g., by welding) and removably coupled to the shafts110. The knock-down cross member assembly 106 provides an end frame thatcan be readily disassembled for transport through restricted ingressesto job sites requiring an elevated work surface (e.g., below a citystreet requiring ingress through a man-hole).

[0028] Another alternative configuration is the box cross memberassembly utilized in the end frame 200 illustrated in FIG. 4. The endframe 200 includes a paired set of inner legs 202, a paired set of outerlegs 204, and a cross member assembly 206. The paired sets of inner andouter legs 202,204 are substantially similar to the paired sets of legs16 and 18 of the end frame 12 and therefore will not be furtherdescribed in detail. The box cross member assembly 206 is similar to thecross member assembly 20 of the end frame 12 in that it provides, singlyor in combination with horizontal rungs, for one of the first or seconddimensions to be an industry standard dimension. However, the crossmember assembly 206 couples the inner legs 202 together and provides forwork surfaces to be supported at two different elevations. In thisregard, the assembly 206 includes a first horizontally extending bar 208rigidly fixed between the paired set of inner legs 202 and a secondhorizontally extending bar 210 rigidly fixed between the legs 202. Thefirst and second bars 208,210 are located on opposing sides of thevertical center defined by the paired set of inner legs 202. The firstand second bars 208,210 are vertically spaced from the vertical centerso as to each be located adjacent a respective axial end of the innerlegs 202 (see FIG. 4). The bars 208,210 are sufficiently spaced to allowa work surface (e.g., walkboards, etc.) to be supported on either orboth bars 208,210. Each of the bars 208,210 is supported bycorresponding trusses 212 and 214, respectively, that are fixed to thecorresponding bar 208 or 210 and an adjacent leg of the paired set ofinner legs 202.

[0029] As previously discussed with respect to the end frame 12, theinventive four-legged construction of the present invention provides fora high strength frame capable of vertically shoring a high capacityload. In addition, each of the end frame embodiments discussed above isconfigured for both vertical and horizontal coupling with othersimilarly configured frames. As detailed above, it is important that theend frame configuration include four, generally coextensive, coplanarlegs, with at least two of the legs being spaced apart an industrystandard dimension. However, it is within the ambit of the presentinvention to utilize many varied alternative configurations and designsembodying these important features. One such alternative frame design isthe multipurpose frame assembly 300 illustrated in FIG. 5. The frameassembly 300 includes four end frames 302, 304, 306, and 308 coupledtogether in a load-shoring configuration.

[0030] The end frames 302,304,306,308 are all virtually identicallyconfigured and therefore only the end frame 302 will be described withthe understanding that the end frames 304,306,308 are similarlyconfigured. The end frame 302 is similar to the end frame 12 of theframe assembly 10 described above and includes a paired set of innerlegs 310 (defining a first dimension), a paired set of outer legs 312(defining a second dimension), and a cross member assembly 314. Thecross member assembly 314 is similar to the cross member assembly 20 ofthe end frame 12 and it provides, singly or in combination withhorizontal rungs, for one of the first or second dimensions to be anindustry standard dimension. Each of the legs of the end frame 302includes frame locks 316 for receiving an end portion of a diagonalbrace 318. The diagonal braces 318 removably and horizontally couple theend frame 302 to the end frame 304. The illustrated frame locks aredisclosed and claimed in the copending application for U.S. patents(having the same inventive entity as the present application), Ser. No.09/756,949, entitled LOCKING ASSEMBLY MECHANISM FOR SCAFFOLDING, whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein as is necessary for a fulland complete understanding of the present invention.

[0031] The illustrated end frame 302 includes a leveling jack 320coupled to the lower open axial end of each of the legs of the pairedsets 310,312. The frame assembly 300 is configured for verticallyshoring a high capacity load. In this regard, the horizontal rungs ofthe end frame 302 are configured to space the corresponding adjacentinner and outer legs a greater distance than the end frames previouslydescribed. However, the horizontal rungs cooperate with the cross memberassembly 314 to provide an industry standard dimension for one of thefirst or second dimensions. In addition, each of the coextensive legs ofthe paired sets of inner and outer legs 310,312 have a shorter heightdimension than the previously described end frames.

[0032] As previously described, the end frames of the present inventionare readily vertically interconnectable with existing conventionalmodular scaffolding frames. In application, the inventive frames providefor an improved tower assembly for elevating a work surface. One exampleis the tower assembly 400 illustrated in FIG. 6. The tower assembly 400includes a base assembly 402 and a scaffold assembly 404 verticallysupported on the base assembly 402. The base assembly 402 includes afirst base frame 406 removably and horizontally coupled to a second baseframe 408 (with frame locks and diagonal braces). The base frames406,408 are configured similarly to the end frames 12,14 of the frameassembly 10 and each include four coextensive legs (with only the baseframe 406 being described). The base frame 406 includes two inner baselegs 410,412 and two outer base legs 414,416. The inner base legs410,412 are horizontally spaced a first dimension and the outer baselegs 414,416 are horizontally spaced a second dimension that isdifferent from the first dimension. In the illustrated tower assembly400, the first dimension is an industry standard dimension, however, aspreviously described, the second dimension, rather than the first, couldbe an industry standard dimension. In this regard, the scaffold assembly404 is vertically coupled to the inner base legs of the base frames 406and 408 (e.g., with frame connectors, etc.). The legs of each of theframes of the scaffold assembly 404 are spaced an industry standarddimension equivalent to the first dimension. The scaffold assembly 404is virtually identical to the previously discussed scaffolding module Mand therefore will not be described in detail. The tower assembly 400 isillustrated in use as a sidewalk tower. For a sidewalk towerapplication, it is preferred that the paired set of inner legs be spacedan industry standard dimension, and most preferably the widest industrystandard dimension (e.g., 5 feet).

[0033] The preferred forms of the invention described above are to beused as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limitingsense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obviousmodifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth,could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing fromthe spirit of the present invention.

[0034] The inventor hereby states his intent to rely on the Doctrine ofEquivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of thepresent invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departingfrom but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multipurpose frame assembly for interconnectionwith existing conventional modular scaffolding frames each of whichinclude load-bearing connection legs spaced apart an industry standarddistance, the multipurpose frame assembly including a plurality of endframes each comprising: a first set of paired legs spaced apart a firstdistance; a second set of paired legs coupled to the first set of pairedlegs and being spaced apart a second distance that is different from thefirst distance; and a cross member assembly operable to couple the firstset of paired legs together, said first and second sets of paired legsbeing coextensive and generally coplanar, said first and second sets ofpaired legs being adapted to couple to legs of another end frame of themultipurpose frame assembly, one of said first or second distances beingat least substantially equal to the industry standard distance so thatthe corresponding first or second set of paired legs is adapted tocouple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.
 2. Themultipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 1, the second set ofpaired legs being fixed relative to the first set of paired legs by atleast two horizontally extending rungs.
 3. The multipurpose frameassembly as claimed in claim 2, each leg of the first and second sets ofpaired legs including axially opposite open ends adapted to receiveconnection means for vertically coupling the leg to other end frames ofthe multipurpose frame assembly and to existing conventional modularscaffolding frames.
 4. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed inclaim 3, each set of paired legs including at least one frame lockadapted to receive a brace for removably horizontally coupling the setof paired legs to another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly.5. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 1, said crossmember assembly including at least one horizontally extending barrigidly fixed between the first set of paired legs.
 6. The multipurposeframe assembly as claimed in claim 5, said cross member assemblyincluding at least one additional horizontally extending bar rigidlyfixed between the first set of paired legs, said at least one additionalbar being substantially vertically spaced from said at least one bar. 7.The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 5, said one of thefirst or second distances being the first distance so that the first setof paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modularscaffolding frame.
 8. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed inclaim 5, said one of the first or second distances being the seconddistance so that the second set of paired legs is adapted to couple toan existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.
 9. The multipurposeframe assembly as claimed in claim 1, said cross member assemblyincluding at least one horizontally extending spacer removably coupledbetween the first set of paired legs and being operable to removablycouple the first set of paired legs together.
 10. A tower assemblycomprising: a base assembly including spaced apart, removably coupledfirst and second base frames, said first and second base frames eachincluding two inner base legs and two outer base legs, said inner andouter legs being generally coextensive, said two inner base legs of eachbase frame being horizontally spaced a first dimension, said two outerbase legs of each base frame being horizontally spaced a seconddimension that is different from the first dimension; and a scaffoldassembly vertically supported on the base assembly and including spacedapart, removably coupled first and second scaffold frames, said firstand second scaffold frames each including a pair of scaffold legs, saidscaffold legs of each pair being horizontally spaced one of said firstor second dimensions.
 11. The tower assembly as claimed in claim 10, allof said legs having a substantially similar inner diameter.
 12. Thetower assembly as claimed in claim 11, said scaffold legs of each pairbeing horizontally spaced the first dimension, each of said inner baselegs being vertically coupled to one of the scaffold legs.
 13. The towerassembly as claimed in claim 11, said scaffold legs of each pair beinghorizontally spaced the second dimension, each of said outer base legsbeing vertically coupled to one of the scaffold legs.
 14. A multipurposeframe assembly for interconnection with existing conventional modularscaffolding frames each of which include load-bearing connection legsspaced apart an industry standard distance, the multipurpose frameassembly including a plurality of end frames each comprising: a firstset of paired legs spaced apart a first distance; a second set of pairedlegs coupled to the first set of paired legs and being spaced apart asecond distance that is different from the first distance; and a crossmember assembly operable to removably couple the first set of pairedlegs together, said first and second sets of paired legs beingcoextensive and generally coplanar, said first and second sets of pairedlegs being adapted to couple to another end frame of the multipurposeframe assembly, one of said first or second distances being at leastsubstantially equivalent to the industry standard distance so that thecorresponding first or second set of paired legs is adapted to couple toan existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.
 15. The multipurposeframe assembly as claimed in claim 14, the second set of paired legsbeing fixed relative to the first set of paired legs by at least twohorizontally extending rungs.
 16. The multipurpose frame assembly asclaimed in claim 15, each leg of the first and second sets of pairedlegs including axially opposite open ends adapted to receive connectionmeans for vertically coupling the leg to other end frames of themultipurpose frame assembly and to existing conventional modularscaffolding frames.
 17. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed inclaim 16, each set of paired legs including at least one frame lockadapted to receive a brace for removably horizontally coupling the setof paired legs to another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly.18. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 17, said one ofthe first or second distances being the first distance so that the firstset of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventionalmodular scaffolding frame.
 19. The multipurpose frame assembly asclaimed in claim 17, said one of the first or second distances being thesecond distance so that the second set of paired legs is adapted tocouple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.
 20. Themultipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 14, said cross memberassembly including at least one horizontally extending spacer removablycoupled between the first set of paired legs and being operable toremovably couple the first set of paired legs together.
 21. Amultipurpose frame assembly for interconnection with existingconventional modular scaffolding frames each of which includeload-bearing connection legs spaced apart an industry standard distance,the multipurpose frame assembly including a plurality of end frames eachcomprising: a first set of paired legs spaced apart a first distance; asecond set of paired legs coupled to the first set of paired legs andbeing spaced apart a second distance that is different from the firstdistance; and a cross member assembly operable to couple the first setof paired legs together, said first and second sets of paired legs beingcoextensive and generally coplanar, said first and second sets of pairedlegs being adapted to couple to another end frame of the multipurposeframe assembly, one of said first or second distances being an industrystandard distance so that the corresponding first or second set ofpaired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventional modularscaffolding frame, said cross member assembly including first and secondhorizontally extending bars rigidly fixed between the first set ofpaired legs, said first set of paired legs defining a vertical center,said first and second bars being located on opposing sides of saidvertical center and vertically spaced therefrom.
 22. The multipurposeframe assembly as claimed in claim 21, the second set of paired legsbeing fixed relative to the first set of paired legs by at least twohorizontally extending rungs.
 23. The multipurpose frame assembly asclaimed in claim 22, each leg of the first and second sets of pairedlegs including axially opposite open ends adapted to receive connectionmeans for vertically coupling the leg to other end frames of themultipurpose frame assembly and to existing conventional modularscaffolding frames.
 24. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed inclaim 23, each set of paired legs including at least one frame lockadapted to receive a brace for removably horizontally coupling the setof paired legs to another end frame of the multipurpose frame assembly.25. The multipurpose frame assembly as claimed in claim 21, said one ofthe first or second distances being the first distance so that the firstset of paired legs is adapted to couple to an existing conventionalmodular scaffolding frame.
 26. The multipurpose frame assembly asclaimed in claim 21, said one of the first or second distances being thesecond distance so that the second set of paired legs is adapted tocouple to an existing conventional modular scaffolding frame.
 27. Amethod of constructing a tower comprising the steps of: (a) assembling abase having eight coextensive legs; and (b) vertically supporting ascaffold having four coextensive legs on the base so that the four legsof the scaffold are coupled to four of the eight legs of the base. 28.The method as claimed in claim 27, step (a) including the steps ofassembling two four-legged end frames and removably and horizontallycoupling the end frames together.
 29. The method as claimed in claim 28,step (b) including the steps of supporting a two-legged scaffold frameon the inner-most legs of one of the four-legged end frames andsupporting another two-legged scaffold frame on the inner-most legs ofthe other four-legged end frame.
 30. The method as claimed in claim 28,step (b) including the steps of supporting a two-legged scaffold frameon the outer-most legs of one of the four-legged end frames andsupporting another two-legged scaffold frame on the outer-most legs ofthe other four-legged end frame.